The Scottsboro Boys: cast announced

The cast and creative team for the world premiere of The Scottsboro Boys - the new musical by the legendary composer/lyricist team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, with book by David Thompson and direction and choreography by Susan Stroman - have been announced by the Vineyard Theatre, where the musical will begin previews on 12 Feb 2010 prior to its official opening night on 10 Mar 2010.

The 13-member cast of The Scottsboro Boys will feature two-time Tony winner John Cullum, Colman Domingo, Brandon Victor Dixon, Sean Bradford, Josh Breckenridge, Derrick Cobey, Rodney Hicks, Kendrick Jones, Forrest McClendon, Julius Thomas III, Sharon Washington, Cody Ryan Wise and Christian White.

Also announced is the creative team for the musical, which will have set design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Kevin Adams and sound design by Peter Hylenski. David Loud is music director; orchestrations are by Larry Hochman.

The Scottsboro Boys explores the infamous "Scottsboro" case of the 1930's, in which a group of African American teenagers were unjustly accused of attacking two white women -- and the boys' attempts to prove their innocence.

The Scottsboro Boys reunites Vineyard Theatre with John Kander, David Thompson and Susan Stroman -- who along with the late Fred Ebb -- previously collaborated on The Vineyard's revival of 'Flora, The Red Menace' in 1987.

John Cullum has received Tony Awards for his performances in the musicals 'On The Twentieth Century' and 'Shenandoah', and Tony nominations for the musicals 'On a Clear Day You Can See Forever,' 'Urinetown' and '110 in the Shade.' He most recently appeared on Broadway in 'Augist: Osage County.'

Colman Domingo has appeared on Broadway in 'Well' and 'Passing Strange,' and earlier this season debuted his acclaimed solo play 'A Boy and his Soul,' at the Vineyard Theatre.

Brandon Victor Dixon received a Tony nomination for his role as 'Harpo' in 'The Color Purple,' and is currently appearing as the title character in 'Ray Chales Live!' at Pasadena Playhouse.

Sean Bradford has appeared on Broadway in 'The Lion King.' John Breckenridge was featured in the cast of 'The Ritz' on Broadway; Rodney Hicks' credits include 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' and 'Rent' on Broadway; Derrick Cobey appeared in this season's new musical 'Tin Pan Alley Rag' Off-Broadway; and Kendrick Jones is an actor and dancer who has performed nationally with the dance troupe 'Tap City.'

Forrest McClendon appeared at the Prince Music Theatre in Philadelphia in 'Dreamgirls'; Julius Thomas III appeared in '25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' in Chicago; Sharon Washington has performed in numerous productions at the Public Theater, including 'Richard III', 'Cymbeline' and 'Coriolanus'; Christian White appeared at City Center Encores! in 'The Wiz'; and Cody Ryan Wise appeared at City Center Encores! in 'Damn Yankees' and in the national tour of 'The Lion King.'

The legendary collaboration of John Kander and Fred Ebb over four decades resulted in some of the most beloved and enduring musicals in theatre history: from 'Flora, The Red Menace' to 'Cabaret' (Tony Award); 'Zorba,' 'Chicago' and 'Woman of the Year' (Tony Award); to 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' (Tony Award), 'Curtains,' 'The Visit' and 'All About Us..' David Thompson is a Tony Award nominee for Best Book of a Musical for 'Steel Pier.'. His other credits include the script adaptation for 'Chicago' and the musical 'The World Goes 'Round,' a musical revue of the songs of Kander and Ebb. In addition, he has written new librettos for the revival of 'Flora, The Red Menace' and Jerry Herman's 'Dear World.'

Susan Stroman won two Tony Awards as director and choreographer of 'The Producers.'. She co-created, directed and choreographed 'Contact' for Lincoln Center Theater (Tony Award, Best Choreography). Other Broadway credits include 'Young Frankenstein,', 'Happiness,''Oklahoma!' 'The Music Man,' Steel Pier,' 'Show Boat' (Tony Award) and 'Crazy For You' (Tony Award). Off-Broadway productions include 'And the World Goes 'Round' and 'Flora, The Red Menace' at The Vineyard.